164 Anniversary Address. 



which is quite smooth and even at the bottom, and correspond- 

 ing in shape to the periphery of the shell, has not been settled. 

 It has been attributed to the chemical action of a secretion from 

 the foot ; perhaps maceration in the ordinary mucous fluid which 

 is always excreted from the foot, assisted with its continual 

 motion, might be sufficient to produce the cavity. Mr. Hancock 

 attributes this to the action of siliceous granules, which, he says, 

 are imbedded in the sole of the foot, and make a part of its 

 organization. 



" Another object of interest led the Club still nearer to Beadnel, 

 viz. a trunk of a fossil tree which stands erect, to the height of 

 about 4 feet, on the face of a limestone quarry. The trunk is 

 round, and about 2 feet in circumference. The root is not ex- 

 posed, nor can the species be determined, although the fossil 

 may be referred to the genus Sigillaria. 



l( After the refreshment of a good dinner, and the usual pre- 

 liminary toasts, the President read the Annual Address, which 

 was listened to throughout with interest and pleasure. On his 

 nomination, the Rev. G. Rooke was unanimously elected Presi- 

 dent for the ensuing year. Mr. W. Stevenson, of Dunse, was 

 admitted a Member ; and Dr. James Wilson, of Berwick, was 

 nominated by Dr. Johnston and seconded by Mr. Embleton. 

 Mr. William Boyd, of Cherry-trees, was proposed by Dr. Baird, 

 and the proposal seconded by Dr. Johnston. 



"There was next read a notice by Miss E. Bell, of certain 

 shadows witnessed by her near Birgham. This paper gave origin 

 to a conversation of interest relating to analogous phenomena, 

 but none exactly similar could be remembered. The thanks of 

 the Club were voted to Miss Bell for the communication. 



" Dr. Johnston then read the following notices : — 



" ' September 3. — To-day I saw a living specimen of the 

 Death's-head Hawk-moth, which had been caught at sea, about 

 four miles from land, off Holy Island. 



" 'September 1. — A Sturgeon was caught at the mouth of our 

 river, which was 7 feet in length, and weighed 140 lbs. It was 

 not the Acipenser Sturio, if YarrelFs figure is a correct figure of 

 that species ; nor was it the broad-nosed Sturgeon of Parnell. 

 The scales on the back were very large and raised to a sharp 

 edge, but not spinous nor curved backwards. There was no 

 time given to make a description or figure ; nor have I had an 



